Department for Transport

*No heading*

lord bradshaw: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers byLord Ahmad of Wimbledonon 16 March (HL5882) and 27 March (HL6202), where the East Coast Main Line infrastructure enhancements will take place to enable capacity for an additional two trains per hour between Kings Cross and Doncaster, and an additional train per hour between York and Newcastle.

lord callanan: The planned enhancements on the East Coast that contribute to additional track capacity include; additional track between Huntingdon and Woodwalton; enhancement to the Werrington junction to better separate passenger and freight services; new freight loops between Northallerton and Newcastle; and, improvements around the Doncaster area.

*No heading*

lord bradshaw: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 22 March (HL6061), what specific maintenance and renewal projects will be delivered as part of Network Rail's planned £3 billion spend on the London and North East Route, which includes the East Coast Main Line, during Control Period 5.

lord callanan: Network Rail (NR) plan to deliver a significant amount of maintenance and renewal work by 2019 the detail of which is a matter for NR and is overseen by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). NR’s Strategic Business Plan for Control Period 5 set out their plans for the period 2014 – 2019. Progress against these plans was last published in the NR Delivery Plan dated August 2016 and by the ORR in its latest Network Rail Monitor document dated November 2016.

*No heading*

lord kennedy of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to promote the establishment of new tram lines in towns and cities in England.

lord callanan: The Government supports light rail where it can be shown to be the best solution to an area’s transport needs. It is for local authorities to decide whether light rail is the right solution and to develop plans. They can then bid for government funding if this is required.

Department for Communities and Local Government

*No heading*

lord steel of aikwood: Her Majesty's Government what co-ordination they are planning with the devolved administrations in assessing the safety of tower blocks following the Grenfell Tower fire.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Department is co-ordinating with the devolved administrations following the Grenfell Tower fire. After the Department wrote to local authorities and Housing Associations on the 22 June to outline the steps to ensure the safety of residential buildings, the Department then shared this letter with the devolved administrations, alongside all letters the Department has sent to local authorities and housing associations regarding the safety of residential tower blocks.The Department wrote to devolved administrations on the 28 June to outline the steps to ensure the safety of public buildings, schools and hospitals. Devolved administrations are following the same process as local authorities and housing associations, including the Building Research Establishment screening and testing process, and are also receiving the same support from the fire and rescue services.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

*No heading*

lord dunlop: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to implement their 2017 manifesto commitment to support the development of those wind projects in the remote islands of Scotland that are intended to directly benefit local communities.

lord prior of brampton: As our manifesto commitment states, we support the development of wind projects in the remote islands of Scotland, where they will directly benefit local communities. We will announce our plans regarding this commitment in due course.

*No heading*

baroness mcgregor-smith: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to implement the recommendations of the report Race in the Workplace.

lord prior of brampton: Following the approach we set out in the Government response, we have been working with Business in the Community in supporting companies to make the necessary changes to make their workplaces more inclusive. This includes the development of a simple guide on how to discuss race in the workplace, ensuring easy access to an online portal of best practice and celebrating success through a list of the top 100 BME employers. We also intend that the new Diversity and Inclusion Group will provide a forum to discuss progress as well as identify emerging issues and opportunities, and provide a sounding board for new ideas. This will be chaired by a BEIS Minister, and bring together key business leaders. We are delighted that the noble lady has agreed to be part of the group.

*No heading*

lord truscott: Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to continue to support the development of shale gas in the UK.

lord prior of brampton: Shale gas could create a new British industry, provide more jobs and make us less reliant on imports from abroad. The UK Government continues to support shale exploration to determine the potential of the industry. However, we are clear, shale gas operations will only take place in a manner which is safe for the environment and local communities.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

*No heading*

the lord bishop of coventry: Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to expand their global efforts to combat extremism, terror and the perpetration of violence against people because of their faith, gender or sexuality.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​This Government firmly believes that all people should be able to live free from violence regardless of their religion or belief, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We work to protect and promote human rights through the UK's Counter-Extremism Strategy. Community engagement is crucial for tackling hatred and intolerance and forms an important part of our efforts to tackle extremism in the UK and overseas. Our international effort is aimed at safeguarding the UK by mobilising the international system and building capacity to tackle violent extremism and the idealogical basis of associated extremism effectively. Implementation of the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism is central to this effort as is the UN Global CT Strategy. We are working closely with international partners to give further momentum to the UN's efforts.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of coventry: Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to create an ambassador-level champion for freedom of religion or belief.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: Her Majesty's Government remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). We continue to actively seek ways to improve the efforts of overseas posts working to support religious freedom. Through our bilateral meetings, we raise individual cases and highlight practices and laws that discriminate against people on the basis of their religion or belief. In 2017/18 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will spend approximately £750,000 on six FoRB projects across a range of countries, including Pakistan and Iraq. Whilst the Government has not created an Ambassador-level champion for FoRB, I have this issue a key priority for my team as the Minsiter responsible. I will seek to review this proposal on a periodic basis.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made in enabling the safe return of Yazidis and Christians to their villages and homes in Iraq's Nineveh Plains and providing for their future security.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The UK engages with the Government of Iraq at all levels on ensuring the safe return of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) including minorities. We are working with the Government of Iraq and local authorities to improve the situation on the ground so that it is safe for people to return. That includes clearing Daesh from all remaining territory and addressing the threat from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The UK is supporting the UN Development Programme and the UN Mine Action Service, who facilitate stabilisation projects in the Ninevah Plains and other affected regions in Iraq.The UK is providing over £15 million towards UN stabilisation efforts for areas liberated from Daesh, including for minority communities. This contributes to securing liberated areas and supporting the renovation of water facilities, power networks, clinics and schools. Over one million people have already returned to their homes across Iraq. Through the UK's Conflict, Security and Stability Fund we are supporting community cohesion, and encouraging reconciliation. We are also working with the Government of Iraq, Kurdistan Regional Government, UN and the international community to support the rights of all minorities and to ensure our aid reaches those in greatest need.

*No heading*

baroness tonge: Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Israel regarding disruptions and dangers experienced by school children at the hands of Israeli settlers and armed forces.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We have raised our concerns about incidents of settler violence and intimidation with the Israeli authorities and highlighted the need for Israeli security forces to provide appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population. An official from our Consulate General in Jerusalem regularly meets the British Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme volunteers to hear about their experiences of monitoring checkpoints and providing protective presence to children on their way to and from school.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of southwark: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage political reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​We support the Palestinian people in realising self-determination through an independent, sovereign, and unified Palestinian state based on the 1967 border with land swaps as appropriate. We have made it clear that we will engage with any Palestinian government that shows through their words and actions that they are committed to the rejection of violence and pursuit of a negotiated peace.

*No heading*

lord alton of liverpool: Her Majesty's Government whether they are holding discussions with the government of Iraq regarding the establishment of a regional ad hoc tribunal to prosecute crimes by Daesh.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: As a first step in our joint campaign to Bring Daesh to Justice, we are working closely with international partners, including the Government of Iraq and the UN, to support the collection and preservation of evidence of Daesh crimes before they are lost. While it may be that some form of international or hybrid justice mechanism for crimes of international concern is appropriate in the future, it is too early to pre-judge that.

*No heading*

lord jones of cheltenham: Her Majesty's Government what investigations are taking place with a view to reviewing the effects of the suspended aquifers on the lives of residents on Tristan Da Cunha.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​The Tristan da Cunha Administration is undertaking investigations of the suspended aquifers and the possible impact on the Tristan community. It is considering whether external technical assistance is necessary to assess the situation further. The Administration does not believe there is presently a threat to the Tristan residents.

*No heading*

the lord bishop of st albans: Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Republic of Iran concerning the continuing persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, as described in the Annual report of the UN Secretary-General to the Human Rights Council submitted on 13 March, Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran A/HRC/34/40.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are concerned about the human rights situation in Iran, in particular the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities. The UK continues to lead international efforts to encourage Iran to improve its human rights record. We raise individual cases with the Iranian government, in addition to the use of the death penalty, juvenile executions, and continued persecution of religious and ethnic minorities.

*No heading*

lord hylton: Her Majesty's Government what information they hold about approximately 7,000 people alleged to be detained in Iraq by the officially sponsored Popular Mobilization Forces, including about 650 men and boys who have been missing in Anbar Province for over one year; and whether they are making representations to the government of Iraq on those matters.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We are aware of allegations that the Popular Mobilisation Forces have detained members of the civilian population. We are concerned by these reports and have made clear to the Government of Iraq that screening of civilians must be conducted in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law, ensuring due process is followed, that there is independent oversight and monitoring, and that humanitarian agencies have full access. We continue to raise the case of missing men and boys in Fallujah regularly, including with the Prime Minister's Office.Prime Minister Abadi and Kurdistan Regional President Barzani have committed to investigating all allegations and ensuring that those responsible are held to account. We will continue to hold them to that commitment.

*No heading*

baroness northover: Her Majesty's Government when the 2016 Annual Human Rights Report will be published.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: ​Work is underway to publish the 2016 Annual Human Rights Report before Parliament rises for the summer recess.

*No heading*

baroness northover: Her Majesty's Government what were the reasons for the delay in publishing the 2016 Annual Human Rights Report.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The 2016 Annual Human Rights Report was due to be published in the spring. The general election meant that publishing the Annual Human Rights Report had to be put on hold until after the election. It will be published shortly.

*No heading*

lord laird: Her Majesty's Government what part, if any,theyare playingindiscussions about the Republic of Ireland re-joining the Commonwealth.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The British Government has had no discussions with the Irish Government on the Republic of Ireland re-joining the Commonwealth. This would be a matter for the Irish Government to discuss with the Commonwealth Secretariat.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government whether they have a strategy to help strengthen the United Nations, particularly in relation to supporting the new Secretary-General and encouraging the merit-based appointment of senior officials across the United Nations.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Government aims to strengthen the United Nations through providing support to the UN Secretary-General's reform programme. We have encouraged the UN to improve in its leadership, efficiency, accountability and performance, and we have mobilised our broad range of relationships and networks in support of UN Secretary-General (UNSG) Guterres to give him the best chance of progress. We encourage appointments based on merit. We are also supporting the UNSG's policy of appointing more women to senior positions to help redress the gender imbalance at the UN.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK foreign policy is always underpinned by the objective of enhancing the wellbeing of the international order.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The 2015 National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review sets out the UK's objective to "help strengthen the rules-based international order and its institutions". This objective remains central to our foreign policy. As part of this we championed the more open and transparent process in the selection of António Guterres as the new UN Secretary-General and strongly support his vision for UN reform. We have maintained our commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on Official Development Assistance. We have doubled the number of British troops deployed on UN peacekeeping missions and are leading international efforts to tackle modern slavery and conflict-related sexual violence. As we prepare to exit the European Union, the UK will continue to work closely with our allies and partners in Europe and across the world to promote and protect shared values and advance multilateral cooperation through a rules-based international order with the UN at its core.

*No heading*

lord judd: Her Majesty's Government whatsteps they are taking to enhance the level of public understanding of the relevance and value of international organisations and agencies to the wellbeing of the British people; including through both formal and informal education systems.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office conducts a variety of formal and informal outreach to promote the work of international institutions. We support the Model-UN initiative which reaches around 400,000 students from schools and universities every year, the civil-society led "1 for 7" billion campaign through our social and digital media platforms, which helped raise public awareness of the UN and the role of Secretary-General, and next year the UK will host the Commonwealth Summit and promote the importance of the Commonwealth to the British public in the run up and during the week of the Summit.

Department for Education

*No heading*

lord addington: Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in ensuring that those going through Initial Teacher Training have received adequate training on dealing with pupils with Special Educational Needs.

lord nash: We believe that all children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) should be supported in schools, so they achieve well in their early years, at school and in college.The Government does not prescribe the content of initial teacher training (ITT) courses. It is for ITT providers to use their professional judgement to determine the content and structure of courses, but they must be designed so that teacher trainees can demonstrate that they meet all of the Teachers' Standards at the appropriate level.The Standards set out the key elements of effective teaching and the minimum expectations for the professional practice and conduct of teachers. In order to be awarded Qualified Teacher Status, trainees must satisfy the Teachers’ Standards which include a requirement that they have a clear understanding of the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and are able to use and evaluate distinctive teaching approaches to engage and support them. ‘A Framework of core content for Initial Teacher Training’, published in July 2016 states that providers should ensure special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) training is integrated across the ITT programme. Additional information on the framework can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher-training-government-response-to-carter-review.Additional information on The Teachers’ Standards can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards.

*No heading*

lord jopling: Her Majesty's Government which higher education providers failed to attain at least a Bronze award in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

viscount younger of leckie: All higher education providers in the UK must meet rigorous national quality requirements for higher education. The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) measures excellence in addition to these requirements and is voluntary; therefore all participating providers received at least a Bronze award. As TEF is voluntary, if a provider has no TEF award this does not necessarily signify a lack of quality, as it may have decided not to take part.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

*No heading*

baroness parminter: Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Gardiner of Kimble on 12 April (HL6565) concerning future policy and support for farming, how they plan to consult and work closely with the public.

lord gardiner of kimble: We have a once in a generation opportunity to transform our food and farming policies and improve our environment. We want to listen to the views of everyone who has an interest in the future of the industry.Ministers are already engaging extensively with the farming community and others, and this will continue.

*No heading*

lord patten: Her Majesty's Government how many Marine Conservation Areas there are in UK waters; and whether they have a target for the number of those areas.

lord gardiner of kimble: There are a total of 297 Marine Protected Areas in UK waters. This includes 87 Marine Conservation Zones (Nature Conservation Marine Protected Areas in Scotland) and 210 Marine Protected Areas set up under the Birds and Habitats Directives.We aim to consult on the third tranche of Marine Conservation Zones in English waters in Spring 2018, with designations in Spring 2019. There is no target number of sites. The objective is to complete our contribution to the international ecologically-coherent network of Marine Protected Areas in the North East Atlantic by including a representative range of the species and habitats in our seas.

Home Office

Middle East: Crimes against Humanity

baroness kennedy of cradley: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the number of unlicensed firearms in circulation in the UK.

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what types of data they envisage bus companies outside London will have to make available under the provisions of the Bus Services Bill.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: In both Syria and Iraq the UK is providing financial support to specialist organisations to collect data which will enable them to document and present evidence to international standards and help build criminal case files. This is necessary should a referral to the International Criminal Court be forthcoming on Syria, or should individuals be subject to litigation by hybrid, specialised or national courts. It is vital to do this now, before evidence is lost or destroyed.

Department of Health

*No heading*

baroness finlay of llandaff: Her Majesty's Government when they intend to publish the next Tobacco Control Plan for England; and whether that plan will include recommendations for the NHS as well as for local government.

lord o'shaughnessy: The Government is developing a new tobacco control plan, which will be published shortly.

*No heading*

the countess of mar: Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications that the European Court of Justice's decision in Case C–621/15 will have for UK claims for vaccine damage.

lord o'shaughnessy: The European Court of Justice’s decision on this case does not impact on the United Kingdom. This case relates to specific circumstances and law in France.